Hon Christopher Finlayson
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

15 March 2017
Whanganui River settlement passes third reading

The House of Representatives has passed Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill through its third reading today.

“Whanganui Iwi has fought for recognition of its relationship with the Whanganui River since the 1870’s,” Mr Finlayson said. “Today brings the longest running litigation in New Zealand’s history to an end.”

The legislation will establish a new legal framework for the Whanganui River, Te Awa Tupua, which recognises the river as an indivisible and living whole from the mountains to the sea. Te Awa Tupua will have its own legal identity with all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person.

“The approach of granting legal personality to a river is unique,” Mr Finlayson said. “It responds to the view of the iwi of the Whanganui River which has long recognised Te Awa Tupua through its traditions, customs and practise.

“This legislation recognises the deep spiritual connection between the Whanganui Iwi and its ancestral river and creates a strong platform for the future of Whanganui River.”

Financial redress of $80 million is included in the settlement as well as an additional $1 million contribution towards establishing the legal framework for the river. The Crown will also contribute $30 million towards a contestable fund to further the health and wellbeing of the Whanganui River.

“This is an innovative settlement. The Crown is committed to working alongside Whanganui Iwi to ensure the success of this settlement for Te Awa,” Mr Finlayson said.Iwi of the Whanganui River have pursued claims and sought protection of the Whanganui River continually since the 1870s.

Negotiations between the Crown and Whanganui Iwi regarding the river formally began in 2009.

The Whanganui River Deed of Settlement was signed in 2014 and legislation was introduced in 2016.

The settlement package includes:

• Legal recognition of the river – Te Awa Tupua – and protection of the traditional values of the river.
• Establishment of Te Pou Tupua, two jointly-nominated people to speak on behalf of the river and promote its health and wellbeing.
• An agreed historical account and Crown apology.
• Cultural redress including a Crown relationship agreement, protection of customary activities and place name changes.
• Financial redress of $80 million and a $1 million contribution towards establishing the legal framework for the river.
• The parts of the riverbed currently in Crown ownership will be vested in Te Awa Tupua.
• A summary of the settlement can be found online at:www.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2731.pdf.

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